Anglican and Episcopalian Churches Books

Book SynopsisOften spirituality today is isolated from church teaching and doctrine, as in Joseph Campbell’s treatment of myth and the many forms of New Age theologies, but doctrine apart from the life of prayer is abstract and sterile. In Spiritual Theology Allen turns to the great teachers of the past—the church fathers, Augustine, Maximus the Confessor, Bonaventure, Hugh of St. Victor, Calvin and Luther, George Herbert—to recover a spirituality that is rich with the doctrines and disciplines of theology. Allen covers the great questions of the spiritual life: what is the Christian goal? what leads us toward that goal, and what hinders us? what is conversion? how can we discern our progress in the spiritual life? what are the fruits of the Spirit? A second purpose of the book is to introduce readers to the disciplines and texts of the threefold way, found in the eastern church from the fourth century on. Allen writes simply and clearly of the active life and the development of virtue, and the contemplative life, which includes coming to know God through the Book of Nature and the Book of Scripture as well as directly, face to face, which is the domain of mystical theology. This book is a basic and accessible introduction to the classic writings and doctrines of the spiritual life.Trade ReviewDiogenes Allen’s new book . . . begins with an autobiographical exploration as to his discovery of ‘spiritual theology’ after years of being ‘a teacher of philosophy and theology to students preparing to be ministers.’ “This introduction is helpful and sets the scene for Allen’s endeavour, which is to open up the depths and vistas of the Great Tradition as a practice of holy living—a bodily practice of learning ‘to live every moment of one’s life with an awareness of God.’ Allen writes fluently, and in eleven shortish chapters covers the classical pattern of the spiritual journey as it has been repeatedly performed in the tradition. Above all his work bears the very real enthusiasm of a ‘convert’ who you sense is discovering something for the first time and is exceptionally eager to pass it on. -- David Moss, St. Stephen’s House * New Directions *C. S. Lewis once wrote of The Imitation of Christ that ‘it is not addressed to our condition.’ It suggests, for example, that scholars and writers hide themselves in the study when they should be helping in the kitchen. . . . The main thrust of this book is addressed directly to our condition. It is concerned with how we may live in the presence of God, and grow in the spiritual life. . . . “The author draws on the whole sweep of theology and spirituality throughout the ages, and makes substantial connections between, for example, Calvin’s Institutes and the life of prayer, Gregory of Nyssa and the goal of Christian spirituality, and Iris Murdoch and moral awareness. “The book is accessible in the best sense, not patronizing or simplistic, but clear, well illustrated, and free from theological jargon. It is a good and useful book which will take a thoughtful reader into the rich tradition of theological spirituality. -- Philip Crowe * Theology *I was glad to see the first chapter of this book entitled ‘What is Spiritual Theology?’ as that was the first question that came to my mind when I wondered whether or not to read it, given that I do not like theology and have never heard of the spiritual variety. . . . In a way, Diogenes Allen’s opening is an easy one, clearly and kindly written, citing examples from all ages and branches of Christian history. . . . “Allen examines the most common reasons why people seek God, starting with distress in the face of troubles such as natural disasters. He writes well. All the motives he mentions for God-seeking are well explained, with the help of extracts from his customary wealth of sources. … “Perhaps it is because I am a Catholic that I settled down most comfortably when I was past conversion and on to the eight deadly thoughts (or seven deadly sins, as they were called when I first learnt about them). Allen’s account of the difference between lust and sexual instinct is just one of those in this chapter which I thought a masterpiece. His piece on the dark night of the soul is wonderful. . . . “By the time I had finished his chapters on ‘The Book of Scripture’ and ‘The Book of Nature,’ I was feeling positively inspired. It was a bit of a relief to find the end of the book discussing the growing closeness of God in terms of a habitual presence for spiritual theologians rather than a moment of ecstasy. . . . “The book . . . is only 161 paperback pages of text, of which the central matter-of-fact core of advice will be good to have at hand while fighting one’s way through life. -- Teresa McLean * The American Spectator *Table of ContentsPart 1 Introduction Chapter 2 What is Spiritual Theology? Chapter 3 The Journey and the Goal Chapter 4 Conversion Chapter 5 Three Journeys to God Chapter 6 The Eight Deadly Thoughts Chapter 7 Progress in the Spiritual Life Chapter 8 Contemplation Chapter 9 The Book of Nature Chapter 10 The Book of Scripture Chapter 11 Mystical Theology Chapter 12 Christian Doctrine and the Spiritual Life

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this volume of The New Church’s Teaching Series, Mark McIntosh introduces the great mysteries of the Christian faith: the doctrines of creation, revelation, incarnation, salvation, and eschatology, which are all held together by the doctrine of the Trinity. To explain these beliefs for Christians today, particularly the Trinity, McIntosh begins with what we know: the language of relationship and mutuality, of friendship and family ties. The central theme of the book is our relationship with Jesus and our relationship with our neighbor, for such mutuality lies at the heart of every doctrine. McIntosh’s starting point is the fact that every one of us is a theologian, for we are all drawn to approach the mysteries of faith with attention and love. By drawing on our common experiences as members of a community of faith, particularly through the sacraments of baptism and eucharist, he helps us to explore these mysteries for ourselves and to see how we might live them in our daily lives. As with each book in The New Church’s Teaching Series, recommended resources for further reading and questions for discussion are included.Trade ReviewDefining theology as ‘the struggle to put what has been understood in prayer into words’ (p. xi), McIntosh shows that theology is a natural part of every Christian life. * Anglican Theological Review *Mysteries of Faith introduces the Christian doctrines of creation, revelation, incarnation, salvation, and eschatology—all held together by the fundamental doctrine of the Trinity. . . . [This book] is an ideal introduction to exploring these essential concepts by drawing on our common experiences as members of a community of faith, especially as reflected through the sacraments of baptism and eucharist, to understand how we might live them in our daily lives. * Midwest Book Review *Three strengths mark this volume. The teaching is orthodox; it is clear; and it speaks to the heart, claiming the believer as a whole person who is invited to think as a Christian but also to worship and live as a Christian. * Virginia Seminary Journal *Although part of a series for Anglicans, Mysteries of Faith provides an engaging, lucid, and accessible examination of [Christianity’s] central doctrines that should benefit members of other denominations as well. It would be hard to conceive of a better treatment written for laypersons, or one that makes the mysteries of faith more real and relevant * Christian Library Journal *Table of ContentsChapter 1. Mysteries of Faith Chapter 2. The New Encounter with God: The Mystery of the Trinity Chapter 3. The Splendor of God: The Mystery of Creation Chapter 4. The Voice of God: The Mystery of Revelation Chapter 5. The Humanity of God: The Mystery of the Incarnation Chapter 6. The Glory of Humanity: The Mystery of Salvation Chapter 7. The Drama of the Cosmos: The Mystery of Communion Chapter 8 Resources Chapter 9 Questions for Discussion

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhile there are no easy answers to loss and death, Mature Grief offers a compass to anyone navigating the unknown and uncharted waters of grief. Each life comes from God. It begins with God and has no end. Our parents came from God, out from the circle of eternity, bestowed with goodness, and in dying they return to God. Their circle is complete. And in between, their spirits splashed-down here briefly in a quiet eddy at the edge of the flowing river of time. Our lives began as a ripple of their lives. And their deaths may provoke a tidal wave of grief. In this thoughtful and practical book, pastor Donna Schaper guides the reader through the process of grieving the death of a parent. While acknowledging that every person’s experience of grieving the death of a parent is unique, she offers helpful insight to the reality that some occasions of grief are quite simple and others, for reasons as complicated as life itself, are fraught with confusion and complexity. Especially helpful is Schaper’s wise guidance for making transitions: dealing with belongings, family dynamics, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other important dates.

Read more less

Book Synopsis“Really wonderful; an elegantly written initiation into the mimetic theory. I am lucky to have interpreters who understand what I want to say and who can write so well.” —René Girard The work of René Girard is hugely influential in literature and cultural studies. But it is in understanding the relationship between religion and violence that his theory has created its greatest impact. Girard’s understanding of mimetic rivalry and conflict and of scapegoating is seen by many to be the key to a completely new understanding of Christianity. Girard’s name evokes curiosity and—often—strong feelings among devotees and skeptics. Discovering Girard is the first book to present Girard’s work to a wider audience. It explains and appraises Girard’s mimetic theory, shows its impact on theology and other disciplines, and manages to convey the excitement that a discovery of Girard’s ideas often generates in readers.Trade ReviewMichael Kirwan has pulled off a masterpiece of accessibility; he has unfurled a huge map for the ordinary traveller which neither simplifies nor distorts.

Read more less